Controversial Proposal to Remove Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Chess Federations Up for Vote at FIDE General Assembly

The upcoming General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) is set to be a contentious one, as delegates will be voting on a controversial proposal by the Kyrgyz Chess Federation to remove current restrictions on the Russian and Belarusian chess federations. This proposal has sparked protests from several Western federations, including Ukraine, Norway, and England.

The Kyrgyz Chess Federation President, Babur Tolbaev, requested the vote to “restore the full membership rights of the Russian Chess Federation and the Belarus Chess Federation,” citing concerns over the decision made by certain FIDE structures in 2022 to suspend Russia and Belarus. This decision came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended not inviting or allowing the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions.

Protests against the proposal have been vocal, with the Ukrainian Chess Federation, led by Alexander Kamyshin, expressing outrage over the potential reinstatement of Russia and Belarus. Other federations, such as Norway and England, have also voiced their opposition, citing concerns over aligning with IOC recommendations and promoting peace.

The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission’s recent decision to overturn penalties against the Chess Federation of Russia and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has added another layer of complexity to the situation. The Ukrainian Chess Federation, along with GMs Andrii Baryshpolets and Peter Heine Nielsen, have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest within the commission.

With the vote scheduled for September 22, many are anticipating that the Kyrgyzstan proposal will pass, despite the opposition from several federations. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the future of chess as a sport and its relationship with international governing bodies like the IOC. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.